Things I learned in school that have stuck with me for life

When September rolls around, my mind recalls my back-to-school days: buying school supplies, bringing home Scholastic book catalogues (does anyone remember Goosebumps and The Baby-Sitters Club?), enjoying the post-summer break chicken katsu at the cafeteria...

As I reflected on those nostalgic snippets of my school days, I wanted to share a few things that I learned in school which have had a lifelong impact.

Elementary school: “Rabbit, Rabbit”

One day in fifth grade, my teacher taught us that saying “Rabbit, Rabbit” first thing in the morning of the first day of the month brings good luck. I’ve been saying it (to myself) every first day of the month, and I am 100 percent confident that I haven’t skipped a day. For me it’s kind of a ritual for starting the month off right.

Middle school: People will support you

I’m unable to recollect the details, but I remember being a frequent visitor to the Nurse’s Office. More than anything else—like taking my temperature and letting me rest in bed—I recall the nurse’s warm smile and the time we spent talking at the table in her office, sometimes even after school hours. She became much more than a school nurse; she was someone I could trust and depend on. I learned that there are adults—other than family members and teachers—who I might not have any relationship with in the beginning but who care about and will support me. I was fortunate to find people like that in high school as well and they provided safe spaces where I was comfortable and felt that I belonged. This was an important lesson that has continued into my adulthood. What I experienced with them inspired me to reach out for support when I really needed help, instead of trying to solve everything on my own—attempts which might have led to me crashing on my own.

High school: “Read between the lines”

I learned from my English literature teacher how to “read between the lines” using the lyrics of “Hotel California” by The Eagles. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, this is an idiom that means “to try to understand someone's real feelings or intentions from what they say or write.” On the surface, the lyrics appear to describe a drive down a highway and a visit to a hotel. However, reading between the lines revealed that the song is full of metaphors and illustrates drug addiction.* This stunned me and I recall reexamining the lyrics of many of my favorite songs in detail. To the present, I practice reading between the lines—in lyrics of a song and also in verbal or written communication. I’m grateful to my English lit teacher for making us aware of this important skill.

*There are several interpretations of this song.

(459 words) Written by Maya

Photo by Mr. K
This essay was inspired by a recent message from Mr. K and some photos that he shared with me. Thank you so much, Mr. K!

Banner photo by M. Vardaman